Recombination humanized type III collagen promotes oral ulcer healing

OBJECTIVE: Recombinant humanized type III collagen (rhCol III) is a highly adhesive biomaterial composed of 16 adhesion-related tandem repeats refined from human type III collagen. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of rhCol III on oral ulcers and reveal the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Acid-induced oral ulcers were induced on the murine tongue, and rhCol III or saline drops were administered. The effect of rhCol III on oral ulcers was assessed using gross and histological analyses. The effects on the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of human oral keratinocytes were investigated in vitro. The underlying mechanism was explored using RNA sequencing. RESULTS: Administration of rhCol III accelerated the lesion closure of oral ulcers, reduced the release of inflammatory factors, and alleviated pain. rhCol III promoted the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of human oral keratinocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, the enrichment of genes associated with the Notch signaling pathway was upregulated after rhCol III treatment. CONCLUSION: rhCol III promoted the healing of oral ulcers, showing promising therapeutic potential in oral clinics.